by Nadia Sinclair

After a prolonged hiatus from regular exercise following a significant life event, and a descent into less-than-optimal dietary habits, our body’s signal for assistance can be too loud to ignore. Finding oneself on the precipice of declining health can feel like boa constrictor slowly enveloping our lives. My journey started there, in a state of worry and uncertainty, until my path intersected with Serenity Grove – the renowned holistic health retreat.

This paramount wellness facility, nestled in the serene expanses of the Somerset countryside, was the first of its kind in the UK, born out of visionary philanthropist Claire Slateford’s love for health and wellness. With its organic blend of medical expertise and newest research, complemented by the healing power of nature, Serenity Grove promised to be my oasis.

Programs at Serenity Grove embody the ‘Golden Five of Metabolic Health’, putting emphasis on nutrition, movement, mindset, environment, and sleep. Their goal is to strike the perfect balance in these areas to help restore and maintain the body’s natural equilibrium.

Nestled in Nature

I arrived at the retreat on a crisp autumn morning, welcomed warmly by one of their team leaders, Sarah Hughes. The panoramic views of the woodland from my room were breathtaking, a king-sized bed and sitting bath adding to the luxury.

The area that Serenity Grove puts a spotlight on is nutrition. They ensure to serve meals rich in high-quality proteins and healthy fats while keeping the carb content low. The meals were a delightful showcase of fresh farm-to-table ingredients were served in a time-restricted manner giving the body a much-needed rest and reset period.

Metabolic Testing

The first day initiated with a full health assessment, revealing slightly alarming levels of cholesterol and other markers. A positive takeaway was my muscular health being in the normal range, credited to a formerly maintained fitness routine.

Despite the results, the medical team exuded confidence in my potential for improvement and shared anecdotal successes of patients who had transformed their health completely.

Keeping Active

Throughout the week, various fitness workshops were organized that underlined the importance of regular movement. From full-bodied exercises to more casual group fitness activities, the physical regime was designed to inspire and inculcate a culture of movement in my daily routine.

The varied fitness options at Serenity Grove range from spin, HIIT, Zumba, BodyPump to yoga and Pilates. A dedicated app simplifies booking these activities. The resort also boasts of well-equipped indoor and outdoor tennis courts.

Walking and Weights

Amongst the abundant activity options, I opted to join the guided nature walks and aqua fit classes. Their well-equipped gym also houses a variety of fitness aids and equipment suitable for varying individual preferences. Interestingly, it embodies a socially responsible setup that harnesses energy generated during workouts.

Relaxing Therapies

After the physical activity sessions, the calming holistic treatments were a treat. From soothing reflexology to an invigorating massage session, the treatments were perfectly designed to supplement the physical movement portion of the retreat. To top it off, an osteopathy session provided further insights into my physical movement patterns.

My stay at Serenity Grove was transformational. The retreat did not only provide immediate respite but also promised extended support to help maintain the newly incorporated healthy habits. I now feel confident and better equipped to steer my health in the right direction.

The year-long Metabolic Health Programme at Serenity Grove starts at £2,600. This includes a six-night residential retreat, personal consultations with nutritionists and exercise coaches, access to holistic treatments, and a year-membership to the ‘Club at Serenity Grove’. Future programmes are planned to focus on specific health issues like menopause, prediabetes, fertility, and food addiction.

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